For some reason im am almost mezmerized by this woman…. Its Lily the AT&T lady from the commercial (Milana Vayntrub) and on top of some crazy levels of cute, i have heard some podcasts/youtube videos she has done and she seems to have a awesome sense of humor, like the kind guys only seem to have. Ill admit i stare at the commercials when they come on.

I read somewhere that the Dolphins are putting Thomas, Turner & Douglas through an intensive strength training program this offseason to “transform” them. I hope that at least one of our 3rd round picks can become a good starter and on of the other two a good backup.

I read that about Thomas and Turner, not Douglas. Douglas is really strong, he lifts some crazy amounts of weight with different lifts. He’s known for it. His issue is technique at the next level. That’s what he needs to work on. My guess is Thomas and Turner lack functional upper or lower body strength and they want to level that out.

Mar 25 – 7:14 PM
Free agent DE/OLB O’Brien Schofield hasn’t totally ruled out re-signing with the Falcons but acknowledges the team has probably moved on after signing Courtney Upshaw.
Schofield does have an offer on the table from Atlanta but it doesn’t make sense for the Falcons to sign both players. He’s drawn interest from a few other teams including the Bears, Cowboys, Dolphins, Titans and Seahawks. Schofield has battled knee arthritis throughout his career but has not missed a game over his last two seasons.

Defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi stood on most of his Combine numbers but participated in position drills, and as communicated to me, looked like a stud.

Kafusi looked athletic, smooth and forceful in everything he did. Many say it looks like his upper body has filled in and Kafusi is coming into his own. Known as a class act and high-character person, the senior solidified himself as a second-day pick.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/proday.php#fEKxUbUpR0res1Le.99

Playing the wide 9 technique as one of our staples – D. Moore, McCain and even Dion FF could flourish. The weak side end basically attacks the backfield every play, it’s easy. No thinking except if you see it’s a run react. LOL

The past several years the Miami Dolphins usually were the team that made huge additions in free agency. Big-ticket items such as defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (2015), Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert (2014) and former No. 1 receiver Mike Wallace (2013) highlighted the past three free-agent classes that fueled optimism entering the regular season.

However, that approach failed each year as Miami fell short of a winning season.
——————————————-

Individually these players were a success mostly, with the except maybe being Wallace, even though his non-success may be an off the field thing (attitude). The line he can take your-ins and beat his-ins, worked in reverse for fool Joe. He couldn’t take his-ins and beat your-ins, but he did take his-ins and turn them into urine 😉

You can’t just say, because the team didn’t have a winning record therefore everything they did failed. It seems pretty obvious to me, why the team failed and it starts at the top (coach and coordinators didn’t know what they were doing).

Everything I’m hearing from Gase has been, this guy fits into what we’re trying to do, or we’ll put players in position to play towards their strengths.

More on the same point, talking about Maxwell:
“He does a great job when he gets his hands on people,” said Chip Kelly, who was hired by the San Francisco 49ers after being let go by the Eagles after last season. “It’s kind of what the prototypical corner in this league is like. He matches up well with big receivers. He’s really good in taking them away at the line of scrimmage. When he wins at the line of scrimmage, he’s really successful. Vance (Joseph) is really experienced at doing those things and I think he’ll do a really good job with him.”

Yet Chip in Philbinesque fashion brought him in to play off the receiver.

Now couple that with a coach, who obviously has a clue:
“I feel like Byron is going to fit well into what we’re going to do on defense,” Head Coach Adam Gase said. “He’ll be able to do more of what he’s done in the past where he had success. I’ve competed against him a couple of times when he was in Seattle and he challenged us. And we had some pretty good receivers. I feel really good about him coming in. I’m excited … I could feel his excitement getting down here.

What a concept, lets let him do what he’s had success at doing. I think Chip thought he could do it his way and everything would work out.

I’m so impressed with the front office’s constraint this FA. I think they did a great job. I hope this is the NEW way they conduct business, because it’s the winning path. It may not pay immediate dividends this season, but if they continue to be judicious in FA, and not overspend, the compensatory picks will continue to come, and the cap will be more manageable. The most important thing in addition to doing what I mentioned, is drafting well. Do that for a few years, and keep the FA spending in check, and we will be a winning organization.

What this does is allow you to get the bargain FAs, that provide depth that’s needed in today’s injury prone NFL. When you overspend on a few positions it ends up costing dearly at others, as we witnessed last yr with several Pro Bowler type players, but also many holes.

Let me just say, the idea that he didn’t have time to throw the ball is a complete and total myth. When you see how many wr’s he had open and was still standing there with the ball in his hand you’re going to be pissed.

The idea that the play calling was also to blame isn’t quite accurate either because on plays where we’re running with four wide, which is quite often, it’s up to him to make the read and go thru his progressions. The wr’s run their routes and, let me say, do it pretty damn good and he doesn’t see them, get’s the ball out AFTER breaks, still throwing off target, etc.

Seen your Twitter exchanges this morning 😂. Just do a breakdown w/ GIFs etc. to show your argument like Ian Wharton & some of the others do and post it on your blog and link up. That way you don’t have to get yourself into a disputed like you did on Twitter today. It’ll help avoid a few headaches…not all👍

I just looked at he remnants of the NFL.com Top 100 FAs list and there is not a single player left on there that is worth signing with the slightly possible exception of OG Jahri Evans and only if he’s on the ultra-cheap

The e-rag known as the Sun Sentinel should be sued for giving out the exact address of Tannehill’s home. That is an invasion of privacy and a case of reckless endangerment. What purpose did it serve to do that? Only sickos would find the exact address valuable. The QB and his wife obviously attempted to keep the location secret by buying with a trust without the Tannehill name on it, but our blood-sucking “news” media ratted them out like the wannbees and peeping Toms that they are. They even pinpointed the neighborhood so whack-jobs could more easily do a drive-by scan for Lauren.

I don’t know about you guys, but I think the RB class this year is excellent. Elliott, Prosise, Drake, and Marshall are all 4.4 sprinters with good size as well. Plus I really like the SFL kid who went to Arkansas Alex Collins. He can run in the steam heat and he’s tough as nails and he’s got juice. 20 TDs in a seasson? wow 1000 yds rushing all 3 yrs in the SEC? wow all the while sharing carries with another NFL quality RB!

I think we should draft 2 of them: either Collins or Prosise for pounding the rock alternating series with Ajayi and either Drake or Marshall for speed, screens, and KRs.

Or we trade a Misi and Damontre type package for KC’s Ware or Houston’s Blue. And then still draft Drake or Marshal as above. Even throw in Stills as both those teams need another WR and then we draft someone like Peake or another midround speed wideout.

That’s a lot of compensation for a 3rd string RB. Because we have Williams as one of our backs we really need to have another one that can actually run the ball, as Williams his horrible running it. For some stupid reason early in the season last yr he ran it on 4th and one and was stopped. He has no fight in his running.

each game is condensed so you will only have to watch 20-25 minutes to watch a whole game. If you have a dvd-recorder you can record them for future viewing.Boy I can’t wait till they do this in baseball,what a way to spend a afternoon.

Totally agree. You can’t be successful if you don’t, and that’s been our problem for a while. That, and bad coaching makes for a real bad combo, and a constant turnover and philosophy change and a real mess.

Draft is full of good RBs and if we can’t find another solid one outside of trading and the draft…then we just won’t be good enough for this regime to compete. We low balled Anderson if we didn’t have other options ready.

I like what we are doing but it does put a larger emphasis on drafting well. All the guys we spent big money on, were good players. Even Wallace, who has issues, was a 10 TD WR. We just had nothing behind the starters and made some really poor decisions. This new thinking is better just because we hopefully have something behind Wake, Albert, Misi, etc when they get injured.

Draft is full of good RBs and if we can’t find another solid one outside of trading and the draft…then we just won’t be good enough for this regime to compete. We low balled Anderson if we didn’t have other options ready.

I like what we are doing but it does put a larger emphasis on drafting well. All the guys we spent big money on, were good players. Even Wallace, who has issues, was a 10 TD WR. We just had nothing behind the starters and made some really poor decisions. This new thinking is better just because we hopefully have something behind Wake, Albert, Misi, etc when they get injured.

Wow just wow, some of you have gone off the rails talking about trading some promising youngsters for a RB that will be cut. I guarantee you some of these BU will be cut. Grab one then and keep the player and the pick. Lotsa good RBs in this draft as has been discussed before. Lippett will be in the mix to start opposite Maxwell and some want him traded out. SMH.
You are afflicted by walteritis.

RB not a worry? Who do we have? a gimpy 5th rndr with a half season of NFL experience and a slow, UDFA semi-bum. Playoffs? Playoffs!!?!?!
only if we get another quality runner before training camp. Opening the season with Ajayi as the feature back and Damien as your support is a recipe for disaster. No matter whether you say pick up discarded trash or draft well or trade for one, we MUST get another RB. Just last yr many said they were worried about Ajayi staying healthy and look, sure enough, he got hurt and missed part of his rookie season.

Some ppl badmouth our QB who threw for 4000 yds two yrs in a row with stubborn plodder Philbin for a HC and you want to wish for a dream come true at RB? Look how well that worked out in Indy or San Diego. They had great QBs and their record sucked.

If we can’t find a RB in this draft or outside of it, then we have the wrong people in charge. Plenty of good RBs in this draft. Plenty of solid guys available. One of the most obvious truths in football is the OL makes the RB. Dallas is the best example of this.

I think it’s synergistic… a good line helps the back and a good back helps the line and it takes both to win games.
Dallas did not win many games last yr with the same line and a different RB. I know they had injuries at QB, but he was not helped by his running game like the previous yr.

Look at the rushing attacks of the 2 super Bowl teams. That and defense sure helped Manning and when the running game failed, Newton failed.

How about we put the 2015 season behind us and just look forward. The team isn’t going to be exactly the same anyway. The defense could be 3/4s different. The offense will have some tweaks but mostly the same moving forward with mostly good young skill players.

As for what Tannehill didn’t do last year, the guy’s numbers were still very good. You would think he only completed 55% of his passes, barely threw for 3,000 yards and threw 22 INTs to just 15 TDs the way he gets talked about. Let’s put things in the proper perspective.

another possible draft:
1 -DT Nkemdiche or MLB Ragland
2 -CB Burns or DE Ogbah or Bullard
3 – 7 -as above except get a CB such as Worley or Robinson and / or a S such as Darian Thompson whenever they are best picked

Naples, when I look at our options at #13 I could name 15 prospects we could go with. Even at #8 we were all racking our brains. There are only 3 or 4 what you would call top prospects in this draft and I’m not sure any of them will be as great as they’re being projected. Ramsey, Tunsil, Jack and Bosa are pretty much considered the elite of this class. To me Ramsey is the one who stands out as a special talent. The others might just be good. The QBs are solid but not considered elite so let’s hope they go before us to deepen our options. 🙂

Do you honestly think we will only have Ajayi on the roster when we go into camp? With Gase saying he wants a stable? I don’t understand the comment really. You can get RBs from so many different places. Why limit options? There is no need for 2 RBs early in this draft. Absolutely zero reason to draft more than one before pick #200.

I’m not worried about RB. We can address that in many ways including the draft. We only have 3 RBs currently on our roster in Ajayi, Williams and Edwards. By the time TC starts we’ll likely have 6 backs competing.

It’s still my favorite AIC album. The first song I was turned onto was Sunshine. I heard it on Seton Hall’s Pirate Radio when it came out. That station turned me onto the whole Seattle music scene and other metal music back in the 90s.

New Age you keep saying
“Do you honestly think we will only have Ajayi on the roster when we go into camp? With Gase saying he wants a stable? I don’t understand the comment really. You can get RBs from so many different places.”

Bro that is EXACTLY what I am saying and I am running through those “different places” to see what is really there behind the easy words. We need to get ours before they are all gone.

What are these “so many places”? FA? It’s over. June Cuts? other teams’ trash. Trades? you don’t want to give up anything or you think we have nothing to give. Last minute cuts? Why would we want guys who can’t even make their own team’s 53?

That leaves the draft. In the 6th round the best you can get according to CBS which is a very good site is the 16th best RB. Is that all you want to run along the frequently injured half-rookie Ajayi?

Not sure how much different June cuts are from UFA’s. They’re the same players, just let go a little later if a younger player shows promise. In any case, we have players we can trade to acquire RB’s if they feel the urgency to do so, and if they don’t, my guess is we’re taking one in the draft, and likely before RD 4.

He’s the dark horse at CB for us. If he can step up and earn a starting job or a lot of snaps we have good sized corners for our press scheme with him and Maxwell. We some good size at Safety too with Jones, AQ, Aikens, Gary and even Thomas has a physicality about him but I think he’s better suited as a dime guy and STs. He’s better than Don Jones was in that role. Gary is kind of a dark horse type too as he got more reps down the stretch last year when Aikens ended up in the doghouse for a bit.

I agree with Naples I think Lee and Jack are both overrated. That’s not saying they aren’t good but some talk about Jack like he is the second coming of Christ (or in for you Mike, the first coming), and Lee isn’t better, and in my opinion, not as good as Jones. They just aren’t as good as their hype

Jack is highly ranked because of athletic ability and he’s a good fit for today’s NFL but he’s not a very physical LB. The college game just isn’t very good defensively these days. Too many points are scored. You need to find the guys who really are good NFL fits. Not saying Jack isn’t, but this guy is not LT or a Luke Kuechly, but maybe he could be.

I think Ramsey is the best prospect in the draft. He can play both CB and S and will be a 3 down top defensive player for some team.

Both are amazing athletes. I think Jack is better at diagnosing running lanes and gets there quicker. I’m still in preference if LBs who can get off blocks better than Lee. I think Jack is better doing that than Lee. As you said though there are some really excellent athletes playing LB available after round 1.

We lost one good RB in Miller and now the world is ending? I just don’t understand. We draft Miller’s replacement, we find a guy in the 7th or in FA, and we add a couple extra bodies. We keep at most 3 RBs on our team. Ajayi, our drafted guy, and the 3rd best option. This isn’t stuff to get worked over. It really isn’t

The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson “would think” DE Dion Jordan “would stick” on the roster if he is reinstated.
Jordan was suspended for all of 2015. The Dolphins are reportedly “open” to giving Jordan a chance if he is reinstated, but they have a logjam at end after signing Mario Williams and Andre Branch in free agency. Jordan likely would need to beat out one of Chris McCain, Terrence Fede or Damontre Moore to earn a roster spot. The No. 3 overall pick in 2013, Jordan has not shown much even when on the field. He is shaping up as a massive bust.

Black Hole Sun is still one of my favorite songs. Loved all those bands and it was just a good time for music. Just like the late 60s and early 70s, I think it was a golden age for certain music. I just don’t see anything comparable today.

I’m still smarting over the loss of Millertime! Maybe Ajayi can put that grief to rest. But I wouldn’t draft a RB in the 3rd round. If we don’t go big @ RB in the 1st, then I’d wait till at least the 4th-5th like we did with Jtrain.

I added that a possibility as well but J-Train was a 2nd rd talent who dropped because of his knee issues. OL and RB is all we really need on offense. I have no problem trying to land one of the better talents in this draft even in the 2nd rd.

GD, I wasn’t a huge Audioslave fan mostly because Tom Morello plays a lot of the same stuff recycled. It sounds like RATM with Cornell singing. Some good stuff just not may favorite Cornell stuff. Like this!

It will be interesting how the 1st rounds turns out. Similar to Tim, I think we can go lots of ways at #13 and even more than we had at #8(value-wise). I hope the elite of this draft will be gone by #7 so I don’t have any regrets. I believe they will just based off how little is there. Who will be available at #13 and where do we have the talent listed?

Run to the podium and pick that boy up! Absolute stud RB. One of my favorite players in the draft. He has everything Richardson and Lacy don’t. Fire and desire. Maybe not as talented as AP and TG but he’s exceptional. and very close. No need to find another RB for a while.

We could then double up at LB both outside and inside with our next four picks – 5, 6, 7a. and 7b, UDFAs as well. I know not everyone would be happy with that but if you feel Alonso, Jenkins, Misi and Hewitt are a good 4 it’s not difficult to go that way. Not to leave Vigil out, he could really surprise this year if he gets a little bigger and stronger. Same for Hewitt. To me Hull is a wildcard but could earn some reps at WOLB if he can make the game day roster on STs. I heard the NFL is discussing to extend the game day roster to 48 or something. That would help a guy like Hull.

No doubt. Sad that so many talented people afraid of their successes succumb to self medicating to comfort their distorted view on their life as well as the lives of those around them. It’s a vicious catch 22. Glad I found my way out of that hell hole!

My best friend and I always say to this day if our band ever got off the ground we would probably be dead living that lifestyle. We both have addictive personalities. I never did heroin unless I didn’t know some was in a joint which I think we both experienced one time and it was weird. We both thought we were living in a slower alternative dimension. LOL

Yes, amen! Found peace with who I am. That’s hard as shit to do, being comfortable in your own skin.
Now I play & sing for fun at the open mic nites & occasionally get in on a song during a set with a couple of local bands I’m buds with. That’s my temporary high 😉

Thanks, we might have to trade up in the 3rd for Howard. He’s a possible 2nd rd guy or early 3rd. We pick 10th in the 3rd. Might have to move up but I’d get it. Probably a 5th and our 3rd to get him. If we target someone like that I’m down. 🙂

Yes, he could be a weapon that puts Tanny over the top & a great tandem with Ajayi too.
He’s made for a ZBS, and I can also see him in sits with Ajayi also on the field to keep defenses back & guessing.

We talk about smaller LBs who are athletic, maybe we’re overlooking Mike Hull.http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/mike-hull?id=2552317
————————————
Nothing there says to me he’s athletic, but the opposite was said:
Weaknesses Small for an inside linebacker. Lacks bulk and has extremely short arms. Gets engulfed and smothered by wide-bodies. Must improve on reacting to second-level blocks before they get into him. Marginal play strength — sits and waits for running back to get to him and absorbs blows, allowing runner to land first punch. Nothing special athletically.

His athletic numbers were tops in 3 categories and good overall. We’re talking about a 2nd year LB prospect who blew away what most of last year’s LB class did? So is the 2016 class better just because it’s new?

When I think about stupid comments from Omar and Walker saying, we didn’t improve the roster from last yr, I wonder, if they ever think about what they write or just spew out their thoughts.

To ask, if the roster got better, did they think about what it would’ve taken to keep it status quo? $17M per for OV, $6.5M per for Miller and Matthews/Shelby got about $4M per, about $31M. For 4 guys that we replaced them with it only cost $12.5M (including the drafted RB to replace Miller).

If we had paid the $31M per and stayed status quo this board would’ve been ready to kill someone, yet the overall attitude here, besides Tim has been meh. We got players that fit what Gase wants to do and we didn’t break the bank doing it, actually saved money, but still we get meh.

Chris McCain knowing he’s a DE now will likely be 6-5 260+ not 245-250 like he’s been. Weak side edge rusher in our new scheme. The same with Damontre Moore 6-5 250 and maybe even Dion FF 6-6 2??. We also added CFL standout Clayton Laing along with long shots Julian Warmsley and Jordan Williams.

M. Williams, Wake, Branch and Fede as well. DE is not the top priority anymore.

The meh is pretty simple. No replacement for RB yet. Matthews/Shelby were both top notch backups. Their replacements are unknowns. Williams is an upgrade from OV but all our other ‘upgrades’ are hopeful upgrades. Maxwell just played ok last year. Alonso has been a walking injury. You are asking everyone to put their rosey homer glasses on and expect every single move to be a victory dance. There is no proof of that. They saved money because all of these guys are big risks. We replaced known solid players for unknown risks and the costs mirror that.

Our running game sucked, sure Miller had a big average, but he couldn’t run when we needed it, and he couldn’t take the pressure off of the OL. It’s not that hard to get another RB in the draft that can be productive. Sure Matthews was good, but we don’t need 4 WRs, Griff is good enough for that occasional catch. When Matthews was flying high Parker wasn’t playing. Would you rather have Matthews play instead of Parker? We don’t need to pay a 4th WR $4.5M. Maxwell was played out of position. Would you rather have Maxwell or Grimes, who was as big a reason as anyone why we couldn’t beat Buff and NY. Alonso was out 2 yrs ago, then got hurt early last yr, but he’s healthy now and will be played to his strengths.

Bottomline, would you rather have last yrs roster for 2016 or the one being assembled now?

Ogbah is still learning the complexities of the position and lacks elite explosiveness, but he’s a balanced athlete for his size and never shuts it down, exhibiting the effort needed to collapse the pocket. He will be a favorite in the building due to his work ethic and make-up.

I’ve said it before and will say it again. I love these moves we have made this year. The media is pissed we are not spending big and this upsets their agenda. They have switched gears to say we have no idea. Those players we let go were always going to be overpaid. I’m just glad it is not us paying the bill(tab). Pfffffttttt to OV, Miller,Matthews and Shelby. Some of you have already documented their weakness for me. OV to me epitomises the old way of coaching JP and his staff bought to the table. He will flounder in the Giants scheme because he is simply not that good.

He’ll start getting doubled, if he does anything, then he’ll disappear. I’m ok, with him doing well, because one of the factors for our draft compensation is post season honors. I just don’t see it happening either.

New coach comes in and brings in his own guys, what a concept.

OV together with Wake had as much to do with our poor run D as the LBs.

Ogbah really did look athletic. He actually reminded me a little of LT, but Ogbah’s about 30 lbs heavier, and probably not nearly as quick, but then again, if he was about 240 like LT was, maybe he would be. He moves very well.

I can tell you how fast LT was first hand. I was working room service many yrs ago at Caesars Tahoe, during the Celebrity Golf tournament, I come out of the elcove just as LT was coming around the corner… 😉

The om;y Risen savior out there people! Mother Mary, still a corpse, Joseph Smith is still in the grave, Muhammad, still dead, Allah, yep, still dead, etc.
Now Christ Jesus actually rose from the dead as witnessed by over 500 people. He’s the real deal!

Walker says:
The past several years the Miami Dolphins usually were the team that made huge additions in free agency. Big-ticket items such as defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (2015), Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert (2014) and former No. 1 receiver Mike Wallace (2013) highlighted the past three free-agent classes that fueled optimism entering the regular season.

However, that approach failed each year as Miami fell short of a winning season.

The title of the article was:
Dolphins learning to cope with big losses in free agency.

So why was FA a failure, but not the draft? By the same logic that, because we didn’t have a winning record we failed in FA, we also must’ve failed in the draft, therefore we don’t have to cope with big loses in Fa, and everything else about the team was a failure.

The high $ paid if FA lead to not being able to get quality depth around the roster, might be said, but IMO the FA signings I listed were all very productive, the draft has produced lately, so that leaves scheme and coaching staff, if we’ve solved that problem with Gase, VJ, and Christensen, then we could possible see a turnaround like SF saw with Harbaugh.

Last time Ross went looking for an HC he was turned down again and again… Then had to sign someone, so Philbin was signed. This time around the team got their first choice, I don’t think that can be overstated.

Let me just say, the idea that he didn’t have time to throw the ball is a complete and total myth. When you see how many wr’s he had open and was still standing there with the ball in his hand you’re going to be pissed.
——————————————-
This comment from Lou yesterday is disturbing, if RT can’t fix this he won’t ever be much better than he is now.

how many of you are eating the kids chocolate easter candy today. Next door kid 5 yr old gave me a chocolate bunny and eggs and before I could eat them she ratted me out to the wife. Being a diabetic sucks this time of year.

If Gase can make Tannehill better, then we should have a playoff caliber team this year. I think between Washburn and Vance, we have a vastly superior defensive staff this year. Gase has to be better than Philbin. It’s on the players in the end but I like our DL. I like our OL depth better. Just need a few more pieces and would love another solid draft.

He was the only LB that seems like a fit in that range of picks. I prefer the Bullard version.

I actually think Alonso, Jenkins, Misi, Hewiit, Vigil and Hull could do a solid job. Our DL and secondary is being overhauled. A 90% 2013 Alonso and a 2014 Jenkins makes us better at LB with Hewitt, Vigil and Hull pushing for playing time. Misi is versatile and consistent but he’s now a role player.

Make the font 4 rotation sick. 2 LBs will be on the field 70-75% of the time anyway. We need more talent at DB.

There are still questions about Jordan, C. McCain and D. Moore? Right now our DL is Suh, Mitchell and Phillips at DT, and Williams, Wake, Branch and Fede at DE. That’s where it all starts.

That’s what I’ve been saying Tim, do we really need all of these LBs when less than 3 are on the field most of the time, but if we did draft Myles Jack, the thought of Jack and Alonso may resemble what Carolina has. Maybe Jordan surprises and he’s that same type of LB. I expect Gase to put Jordan in a position to succeed, if he actually plays this yr.

Draft Conklin, hope he can play OG, and run the ball all day long, same with Zeke.

Conklin is the best pick for the long haul, not sure about this yr though, unless he can play inside. From what I saw against Alabama he looked good, reminds me of Robert Gallery, once he’s engaged the defender is done, with the difference being Gallery had issues getting in front of someone (speed guys killed him).

CBS Mock shows the Ravens and the Giants taking OT, Stanley and Conklin, so maybe he isn’t available when we pick. Several have Hargreaves available when we pick. We’ll have a starting type player available to us no matter what happens before we pick.

“That’s what I’ve been saying Tim, do we really need all of these LBs?”

ALL??? We complained all year long our LB’s can’t/won’t/don’t tackle, and ALL we changed was one. Unless you want more of the same shoddy play as last year from the LB corps, I think we best UPGRADE, and not just add a guy who may be compete for a job. We can/should do better than that! What makes you think that things will be different this year, just because Kiko Alonso, who we don’t even know is anywhere near back to what he ONCE was 2 years, and really hasn’t been since? To me, that’s not a question I want answered by us not drafting a top LB. Just my 2 cents.

I think we will draft an LB, but it doesn’t have to be with the top pick. Some have us drafting several LBs, we have other needs. It’s also quite possible that Jordan is in the mix at LB too, where he should’ve been playing all along, but someone told him he’s here to rush the passer.

Someone wrote on here, Gase was having Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner work in the weight room to get stronger. I just read we may be also using a power blocking scheme as well as the ZBS in 2016, because the ZBS sucks when the D knows you’re going to run.

Gase sat down this past week with Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald, to discuss his plans for the offensive line. What the coach had to say was telling: “[Getting] back to some old school [techniques] , let’s lift, let’s spend our two hours in the weight room, let’s get these guys bigger, stronger and faster. So, that’s been our big focus. I want to try to give [the trainer] as much time alotted as he’s allowed to get these guys in position, where, when we do start, we can see a difference, we can see a difference physically, in our guys, as far as their strength and being able to come off the ball and move people.”

Where did you get an indication that Jordan is in the mix at LB? I wouldn’t count on him in any case, whether it’s at DE or LB. He’s way too big a question mark, and hard to know if he really has his heart and head in the game. My main point is, it’s not just about getting bodies to compete, we have bodies here, we need better players at LB, but yes, we also need a CB or two, and maybe a DE to groom, but to me, LB is the heart of the issue, and just expecting the magical “wide 9” to solve the problem without upgrading the talent is very risky. If anything, the “wide 9” cries out for solid tackling and good discipline and instincts. I want a LB that’s clearly better than anyone else we have on roster to come in and elevate the play of our defense. If we can get that it in RD 2 or RD 3, great, but I think the odds go down significantly past RD 2 if I’m being honest.

Mike…I think you lose the plot at times. Yes FF is a risk but he has a lot of talent. Do I go with him? Yes, I do. The team has some excellent young talent just waiting for playing time. Our LB corp will be much improved this year without having to draft a lumbering mid talent in Ragland. DE, we have them coming out of our butt, why would we waste yet another 1st rounder on one? There is only 1 position I want us to draft in the 1st round and that is OL. We have to get that fixed once and for all. Whether you take an OT such as Stanley(if he falls to us) or Conklin we have to pull the plug and make it happen. Plenty of good DBs in the 2nd round. Their names have been plastered all over this blog. Fill the draft out by taking RB,OG,LB,DTand a DB. UDFA always have one or two stick. The talent level on this team is good, just upgrade the bottom end players and away we go.

I have no problem with us taking an OL in the 1st, but to me, that’s more of a move for next year, not this year. If we’re going by the assumption that everyone we currently have is healthy, we have 2 tackles, in Albert and James, and we have 2 backups in Bushrod and Young. Why do we need an OT now? Unless Conklin would play OG this year, and then maybe OT next year, that works for me, but Albert and James are the 2 tackles, so why draft a backup now? IMO, we need a starting player NOW that helps us NOW.

MIKE E; Part of the reason WE SHOULD take an O-Lineman in round 1 or 2 is the fact that this franchise HAS NOT had a lot of success drafting O-Linemen in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. THERE IS NO WAY we can have the kind of offense we all want with the current group of guards on our roster. WE MUST improve our O-Line to save what’s left of Tanny’s career or to protect the career of whomever takes his place. And, given the loss of Miller, our O-Line MUST BE BETTER if we are to have a respectable ground game.
———–
Been working a bunch of 7-day weeks lately. Mrs. OD “persuaded” me to take today off to recharge my batteries!! –I’ll be working conventions in Baltimore, Brandon (Florida) and suburban Chattanooga the next 3 weekends so this old fart needs to be refreshed and raring to go!!
———-
SO-O-O, back to the draft, IMHO, we need to address glaring needs at LB, DB, Guard, and RB in the first 4 rounds of the draft and in what’s left of free agency. Some holes MAY have already been plugged (“SHOW ME” of course). But other big holes remain. The ONLY demand I’d make of this front office is that they take the best O-Lineman available either in round 1 or round 2. And I’d supplement the O-Line with ANOTHER selection in round 5 or 6, given Brandon Albert’s propensity to miss games almost every season. WE ALL want to believe that this front office IS CAPABLE of having a very productive draft. But after seven consecutive non-winning seasons, it is hard to believe that what used to be the “DOOFUS BRIGADE” has been transformed into one of the best organizations in the NFL. Ross, Tannenbaum, and the rest of the front office STILL HAVE TO SHOW ME!!!

So you’re saying that Conklin’s best suited for OG? How many teams draft an OG at #13? I know the Cowboys took Zack Martin, but most teams don’t take a G that early. It’s crazy, because you know I want to fix the O-line, but I also don’t want to take a pure OG at #13. I think there are a few OG’s who we could get a round or even 2 RD’s later, like Garnett, Westerman, Alexander, all who may be starters now. It’s tough, because Conklin has only played OT, but most likely could play inside too.

It’s just an option. I don’t have any must approaches in this draft because there are so many ways we can go. I tried to mix it up rather than the same type positions that get posted here in most of the mocks.

I’m also going to look at this draft as a whole not necessarily which position went where. The defense is going to look quite different when it’s all said and done. The offense as we know needs to get better play from its guards and more durability overall along with another RB. Other than that the offense has what it needs to go play.

Mike, you stock up OL, Conklin is a good one. Bushrod and Albert are getting older, he is the LT of the future. Douglas, Turner and Thomas still battling to be starting OGs. Conklin should beat those 3 out to move inside. Young and the youngsters are BU at this stage. We have to get this OL fixed #1 priority.

Wyo,
Conklin has plenty of good tape vs high level opponents. Just watch what Conklin does to Buckner and the rest of Oregon front 7 in their match up. This guy just goes after it on every play. I read this in Dane Brugler’s (nfldraftscout) analysis of him and it pretty much sums up what i’ve seen of Conklin -> “Rarely plays in reverse. Smart and instinctive, understanding protections and using his eyes to pick up extra pressures. Feisty and always looking for someone to block, displaying a dependable playing temperament. ”
I didn’t think much of Conklin 2 months ago but when I saw highlights of Buckner vs MSU, I was like “man, #74 is a beast”. I saw other games of him and MSU and said “whew, this guy is a pit bull OL”.
I don’t think he will be BPA at #13 but he definitely fullfills team need at the position (OG/OT). I wouldn’t be disappointed in his selection.

There’s no doubt there are so many different ways to approach this draft. I’m very curious to see which way we go.
———
I just hope Adam Gase talks to Grier/Tannenbaum the way he talks to the media (not afraid to state his opinion and firmly sticks to his guns).

You know I want a strong OL, but we have 2 tackles in place for this season, and we now have 2 backups. We can just as easily draft an OT next year. The only way I see getting value of taking an OT now, is if he starts at OG for us this year, and then we let Albert go, and he starts at LT.

OD, Ireland really screwed up the OL in 2013 and then bullygate happened so we basically had to rebuild the entire OL. The only guys who returned in 2014 were Pouncey, Thomas, Garner and Brenner and only one still here are Pouncey and Thomas. Hickey was forced into putting a lot of resources into the OL his first two years. We’re still trying to solidify the OL this year because of that. We also had some injury setbacks with Albert, Pouncey and James. We need those three healthy for once.

Mike… Tim got it right injuries killed us on the OL. Turner,Thomas and Douglas all played LT in college. Our BUs were piss weak, Fox,Brenner &co. needed to be replaced by blokes who can step in and play at the required level. This hasn’t in the last few years, in fact since Grove and Smiley got hurt. Now that OL was jumping.
I’m happy to have Albert Pouncey and James then 2 starters out of whoever is left over. Let Bushrod, Conklin, and the 5 leftovers battle it out for the spots. What I don’t want to see is us chasing other teams leftovers during the late cuts period.

Someone wrote on here, Gase was having Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner work in the weight room to get stronger. I just read we may be also using a power blocking scheme as well as the ZBS in 2016, because the ZBS sucks when the D knows you’re going to run.
————–
There are varieties between types of ZBS schemes run -> Outside Zone (what Pitt primarily runs) & Inside Zone (Eagles under Kelly). But as Tim always points on regarding defensive schemes (3-4 vs 4-3 is overrated), the same applies to offense and offensive lines specifically. At the end of the day, the best teams are the ones that are most flexible and can execute in various formations/schemes. The Patriots run inside zone often but they also run power base when they get near the endzone. It’s all about execution (cliche but true). Coaches have to come through with coaching and teach our guys to communicate effectively and also have the player recognize how to play in certain situations.

Thoughts on the draft:
While you’d always love to get an immediate impact player, Is this team at a point where we can’t build for 2 or 3 years from now with pick #13? At #8 I would have tried to get an impact player or used it to get more picks. I guess it depends on where you feel the team is. I wouldn’t be too troubled if they took a DE who may not pay big dividends for a couple years if they see a big role for him down the road. Or, possibly, even a guard, but I don’t see one I’d take at #13. Much better value elsewhere, and you know I’m always up for drafting OL! Lol A tackle you hope can play guard and slide to tackle later? Always a risk, and you may end up hurting 2 positions on your team if the guy doesn’t pan out…guard and, at the least, backup LT.
***
As I’ve said before, I’m fine with whatever they do in this draft. We have so many needs, and it’s an average draft. I’d say 3-5 really top end talent at best…maybe another 10 that are 1st round guys….and then a lot of 2nd and 3rd round talent. DL is deep. They’re gonna get snatched up quick. We could see a lot of trades this year.
***
I never get too caught up in any one player, anyway. I’m leaning towards BPA with an eye towards DE/CB….and willing to trade back if the guy they want is gone at #13. Just my .02 worth.

uwantwat
Thanks! But, what the hell is a wasted space sticker? I read that post and said; wtf? Lol
***
One of my favorite pics of all time was of a buddy who had a love letter to his hand…written on his hand…as he lay passed out in a condo in Colorado on a week of skiing with the guys. It covered his whole palm and onto his wrist. The poor bastard slept thru all of it. He refused to look at the pics afterwards. That was only one of many. Lol

Tim,
I was catching up with some of the comments written over the last few days.
Love many of the Soundgarden songs (Down on the upside !) Kim Thayil is a beast with his axe.
Speaking of Audioslave, Tom Morello took to the stage and provided some guitar sounds for one of the acts at the Ultra electronic music festival that took place in Miami two weekends ago.

Randy,
“As I’ve said before, I’m fine with whatever they do in this draft. We have so many needs, and it’s an average draft. I’d say 3-5 really top end talent at best”
“I never get too caught up in any one player, anyway. I’m leaning towards BPA with an eye towards DE/CB….and willing to trade back if the guy they want is gone at #13. Just my .02 worth.”
—
My thoughts exactly.
Ramsey, Tunsil, Jack are the only elite Pro Bowl type / HOF traits type guys I see at this point.
Maybe Goff as well but the QB position is such a crap shoot.
Bosa i’m up in the air about. On film he wins with technique and power. How that works against NFL OT, who knows. He gives me that Vernon type feel; I’m not sold on him. He looks the part though and is definitely way more cockier than Vernon (seen a negative by some but guys who are great are generally cocky in some way because that’s how they motivate themselves in a stressful environment such as a NFL football game).
I’d like to see Miami work the draft to pick up more 2nd-3rd RD picks; this team needs talent at too many positions.
Perhaps they can move down just a little in RD 1 and take William Jackson III.